Apple could finally unveil the long rumored iPhone 9 (or iPhone SE 2, as some say, since it's supposed to be a successor to the 2016 budget iPhone) on April 15, a new report says. This was said to be the conclusion of an internal meeting held by the tech giant yesterday in order to discuss its plans of moving forward amid the current global health crisis due to coronavirus.

Tech analyst Jon Prosser revealed on Twitter the supposed launch date for the smartphone. He also claimed that Apple will then begin shipping the new budget phone on April 22.

iPhone 9 update 👀

Per an internal meeting yesterday, Apple is now preparing for an April release.

Tentative dates:
- Announcement on April 15
- Shipments on April 22

Keep in mind: we’re in the middle of a pandemic, and things could change.

Prosser says the dates remain tentative, though, given the present pandemic that's causing delays to production work and sending employees home to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Spec-wise, the iPhone 9 is believed to be sporting a 4.7-inch screen and will be likely similar to the iPhone 8 in terms of design, but with upgraded internals.

It was initially rumored to debut on March 31. However, the COVID-19 pandemic reportedly delayed the production of the device, which presumably led Apple to postpone its unveiling. The new report offers a glimpse of hope that we may finally be able to see a new budget iPhone soon.